Weddings
- the blessing of the white doves
No other bird has had
such close links with man, nor been as useful to him in many ways
A custom whose origins are lost in the mists of time, known to the Greeks in pre-biblical
times and to the Mandarins of the Ming Dynasty, who regularly sent their trading
caravans to the temples and monasteries of Tibet, where doves are still revered
today.
Their presence has symbolised the qualities of love, innocence, peace and purity
since time immemorial.
According to custom, two white doves are released together into the sky
after the wedding ceremony to represent the newly married couple. Closely afterwards,
a further flock of doves is released from a decorated pannier by the cutting of
a ribbon, to represent the families of the bride and groom.
Tradition says that these doves will rise into the sky to join the pair of doves.
When the doves are united together they will bring a blessing on to the couple
of much happiness and many friends. 
24
pure white dove release, Lambeth, London Lain
Manor, Sussex
12 pure white doves released Warren
Foster
4 Valley View, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9LU
Tel/fax: 01322 385541 Mobile: 0789 9096845
warren.foster-wfp@virgin.net